Casio Exilim EX-S500

Quickly grab your digital camera and the snapshot is perfect. But can't the situation be conveyed a little more vividly in moving images? The ultra-slim and multifunctional EXILIM CARD EX-S500 von CASIO is quick to hand, records high-quality movies in MPEG-4 format and takes impressive photos with 5 megapixels and 3x optical zoom. The big 2.2-inch TFT colour display leaves nothing to be desired and provides fantastic film and photo pleasure.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FEATURES

The elegant EX-S500 is available in three trend colours. The variation "Brilliant Grey" stands for understatement, "Nordic Silver" provides gloriously clear moments and "Latin Orange" brings Southern European awareness of life closer. The design of the camera in checkcard format sets stylistic trends and causes a sensation not just among lovers of digital photography.

The clear lines of the EX-S500 make it simple to use: every function can be selected and operated with only one hand. The change from photo to movie mode is possible without complicated menu-adjustment by pushing the "Direct Movie Button" resp. the shutter release. The high-quality MPEG-4 movie format in VGA size, which takes 30 pictures per second, provides the movie quality. Despite classic lens design with 3x optical zoom, CASIO has succeeded in building a particularly flat 1 and fast camera. The EXILIM EX-S500 is ready for operation in only 1 second 2 and fits into every trouser pocket or handbag, thus making it the ideal companion for spontaneous photo and film situations.

The EX-S500 is the first digital camera in the company's history to have an Anti-Shake DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for photo-stabilisation. Contrary to traditional optical stabilisation systems, the CASIO's specially developed Anti-Shake DSP balances out trembling hands, prevents blurry photos through a self-movement of the motif, and also provides sharp images even with a combination of both causes of error.

The integrated flash and the new Autofocus auxiliary light provide good photos even in bad light conditions. A large number of integrated BEST SHOT motif programs optimise the picture during sport or close-up shots, for example. For the first time they are equally planned for the photo and movie function and are activated through the practical BEST SHOT button directly next to the display. Once pressed, a clearly structured multiscreen appears on the large display with all pre-set photo scenarios. The function that allows photos with up to 5 megapixels to be taken and stored during movie recording deserves a special mention, as does the editing of a movie, the so-called "MOVIE EDIT", or zooming while the movie is being played back, "MOVIE enlargement playback", are new, helpful additional functions of the super-compact camera.

The new and fast EXILIM Engine provides maximum utilization of the EX-S500. It allows the compact structural shape as well as a high photo and movie quality at simultaneously low energy consumption. Together with the SUPER LIFE battery it provides the camera with the necessary power – once loaded, up to 200 shots 3 are possible.

The USB docking station with high-speed USB 2.0 is used for the transmission of the image data on to the PC and supports PictBridge and USB Direct Print Standard. Movies and photos in fantastic quality can be very easily viewed directly on television by means of the AV output at the docking station or the optionally available AV cable – so there's nothing more standing in the way of your photo fun at home.

USB cable, extensive software on CD-ROM and hand carrier straps are included in the delivery scope, as are SUPER LIFE battery and docking station. A fast-charger, portable AV cable for connecting the camera directly to the television set as well as camera bags and neck straps, a media case for storing memory cards and other accessories are optionally available in the latest EXILIM look.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PICTURES

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor	• 1/2.5" Type CCD • 5.3 million pixels total • 5 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 2560 x 1920 • 2560 x 1712 (3:2) • 2304 x 1728 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480
Movie clips	• 640 x 480 (HQ) • 640 x 480 (Normal) • 320 x 240 (Long play)
File formats	• Still: JPEG • Movie: MPEG-4 • Sound: WAV
Lens	• 38 - 114 mm (35 mm equiv) 3x optical zoom • F 2.7 - 5.2
Digital zoom	Up to 4x
Focus	• Contrast type AF •Manual
AF area modes	• Spot • 9-point multi
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	• Normal: 40 - infinity • Macro: 17 - 50 cm
Metering	• Multi pattern • Center-weighted • Spot
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 50 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400
Exposure compensation	+/-2EV in 1/3 stop steps
Shutter speed	1/8 - 1/2000 sec
Aperture	F 2.7/4.3 varies with optical zoom
Scene modes	33 BESTSHOT modes
White balance	• Auto • Fixed • 6 modes
Self timer	• 2 or 10 sec • Triple self-timer
Flash	• Built-in • Auto, on, off, red-eye reduction • Range: 0.4 m 2.8 m (W) 0.4 - 1.4 m (T)
Viewfinder	None
LCD monitor	• 2.2 " TFT LCD • 84,960 pixels
Connectivity	• USB • AV out
Print compliance	• PictBridge • EXIF 2.2 • PIM II
Storage	• SD card • 8.3 MB card supplied
Power	• Lithium ion battery • Charging cradle • AC adapter
Weight (no batt)	115 g (4.05 oz)
Dimensions	90 x 59 x 16 mm (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.6 in)